The alpinist and writer Pierre Chapoutot has been killed by an avalanche on the crÃƒÂªte de Lachat in the LauziÃƒÂ¨re range close to the ski resort of Valmorel. A climber of considerable repute he had opened a number of routes in the Oisans. Passionate about the mountain environment Mr. Chapoutot was known as a straight-talker and had most recently been campaigning against the further enchroachment of ski lifts in the Beafortain. More controversially he had defended the bombing of the la Grave cable car during construction in an article published in 1977.(more…)

Boston.Com reports The Forest Service is warning hikers in the White Mountains to pay careful attention to avalanche dangers. Officials say the especially wet weather last month has created conditions not normally seen until mid- to late-winter.(more…)